A silver BMW 3 Series sports car, one of the most reliable vehicle types

The 5 Most Reliable Vehicle Types You Should Consider

Here are the five most reliable vehicle types you should consider if you want a dependable car, from hybrids to compact pickup trucks.

by Desiree Homer

Updated on July 13, 2023 for freshness.

Published on January 1, 2023 5:18 pm

2 min read

Based on the cars you’ve owned, you likely have favorites that proved to be the most reliable. But today’s vehicle offerings are vastly different. When it comes to finding the most reliable vehicle types on the road, these five are top contenders.

1. Hybrid cars are among the most reliable vehicle type

With the growing demand for electrified cars, there’s been a surge in EVs, PHEVs, and hybrids on the market. The more automakers produce these models, the better they get at it. And recent findings suggest hybrid cars are among the most reliable vehicle types on the market today.

Kelley Blue Book says, “twice as many [new vehicle shoppers] look at a hybrid when they consider an electric vehicle.”

Some top-performing 2023 hybrids in reliability are the Lexus NX and Toyota Corolla. And KBB says most consumers considering a hybrid car research the Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Toyota Prius.

2. Sports cars are surprisingly reliable

Another vehicle type to consider if reliability is paramount is the sports car or other high-performance models. According to predicted reliability data, these cars always perform well over time, partly due to their engineering and high-quality performance parts and materials. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a top sports car contender in reliability, as is the Mini Cooper. Another performance model that earns high marks in reliability is the BMW 3 Series.

3. Hybrid SUVs are similarly reliable

Not all hybrids are created equal. And many plug-in hybrid and EV models are still below average in reliability rankings. But not hybrid SUVs. In addition to hybrid cars, hybrid SUVs are proving more dependable. Expect long-term reliability with hybrid SUVs like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. These vehicle types are consumer favorites, too, because of their higher fuel efficiency, ease of use, and smoother driving dynamics.

According to KBB, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are among the 10 most considered electrified SUVs.

4. Midsize/large cars are generally dependable

Midsize sedans and large cars have always been reliable rides. And based on the latest reporting, these vehicle types remain dependable. Most midsize/large cars from 2000 to 2022 are reliable, including segment favorites like the affordable Toyota Avalon. The Chevy Impala and Nissan Maxima also have above-average reliability ratings.

5. Compact pickups round out the top five reliable vehicle types

Pickups can be hit or miss in reliability. With so many models and variations to configure, it can be tough to pinpoint which models are more reliable. However, the compact pickup segment ranks well in dependability. According to U.S. News, the top 2023 models include the Honda Ridgeline, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Jeep Gladiator, and Ford Maverick.

So, before you buy any 2023 model, consider these types of vehicles that rank high in reliability.

Contributing Writer

Desiree Homer

Desiree Homer began contributing content to MotorBiscuit in 2018. She is a veteran in all things sales and marketing and at writing results-oriented sales copy. Her professional credentials include: 15+ years in direct Sales (local, regional and national industries), 5+ years in Television Advertising, 5+ years in Staffing and Business Development, and 3+ Years in Automotive Sales.

She began contributing to Endgame360 in 2018. She is a Jeep enthusiast at heart and spent more than three years selling cars for GM and Ford dealerships. Desiree has sold everything from high-end Cadillac models to farm-reliable pickups. She has also written for Bob Vila.